McClure and Burns help Lurgan enjoy home win

Lurgan’s bright start helped the hosts get back on track and finish with a win on a welcome return to Premier League play.

Lisnagarvey lost out by 2-1 as Lurgan gained a reward from the first league appearance in almost a month.

Sustained pressure across the early stages featured Emily McStea at the centre of the action thanks to her constant movement.

The Lisnagarvey goalkeeper managed to protect the clean sheet until seven minutes when Sarah McClure attacked from midfield and capped clever control past two rival players with a measured finish.

Another smart stop prevented Lurgan from increasing the lead off a penalty corner but Lisnagarvey regrouped to test the home side.

However, Charlene Hull was on hand to produce a clearance off the line.

Lurgan managed to maintain the upper hand across the second half and Kerrie Burns converted a slick switch from the first penalty corner after the interval.

It proved a rare success from a penalty corner situation as Lurgan finished in frustration at failure to capitalise on four across a ten-minute spell.

Lisnagarvey launched a counter-attack on 55 minutes to slot a shot beyond Susie Taylor and reduce the deficit.

Lurgan worked hard to prevent the visitors from building on the bonus and, despite additional penalty corners, had to settle for a 2-1 advantage at the final whistle.

“Sometimes the result is more important than the performance,” said a club representative. “Coach Robbie McMinn was more than happy with three points and a result that helps to maintain Lurgan’s 100 per cent record in the league.”